Early Weight Bearing After Surgery Shows Strong Outcomes
August 28, 2025
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2 min
8 Key Takeaways
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1
Systematic review of 20 studies on calcaneal fractures.
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2
Involved 1,051 patients, median age 44 years, 79% men.
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3
Challenges prolonged non-weight-bearing approaches.
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4
Early weight-bearing led to favorable outcomes.
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5
Mean AOFAS score of 86 reported.
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6
Overall median complication rate of 14%.
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7
Recommendations for randomized controlled trials.
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8
Various surgical techniques used: extensile, sinus tarsi, percutaneous.
A systematic review of 20 studies involving 1,051 patients with unilateral displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures indicated that traditional prolonged non-weight-bearing rehabilitation may be needlessly restrictive. With a median patient age of 44 and 79% being men, outcomes showed high function scores (mean AOFAS 86, Maryland Foot Score 91) and low pain levels after early weight-bearing protocols. Complication rates remained within expected limits, but a lack of randomized trials highlights the need for updated, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies.
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